Picture getting on a bus, train or airplane…. do you ever wonder if the operator has sleep apnea? This sleep disorder has caused a serious health crisis in the United States, and the public needs to be better informed about the condition and its treatment.
Sleep Apnea: The Silent Killer
Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing stops for periods of time during sleep, affects at least 30-40 million Americans, according to The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. If your body is deprived of oxygen while you sleep there are many negative health affects; daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration and irritability are just a few.There are many news stories about train, bus and truck crashes that were directly attributed to sleep apnea. These accidents are tragic and unnecessary—especially when a simple test can diagnose the problem, and treatment options are readily available.